Let Go and Push Off

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Hi from Sherry Kyle, writing from my laptop in central California. I wanted to share something today that is near and dear to my heart—and no, it isn’t specifically about writing, but I think this post pertains to all of us as Christian writers.   Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit . . .” John 15:16a I love the Youtube video clip about a little fourth-grade girl about to go down a ski jump for the very first time. You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebtGRvP3ILg

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Why?

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Greetings from Ava Pennington in sunny Florida. I’ve always been a curious person, and today I’d like to start with a question or two… Why do we write? Why do we market our books?

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No Time for Friendship?

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Good day, writer friends! Sherry Kyle here, writing from central California.  For the last six weeks I’ve been living in chaos. I shouldn’t complain since the reason is a positive one—we’re remodeling our kitchen—but it’s been trying at best. The demolition started August 17th, and there have been workers in and out of my house ever since. I’ve scrubbed dishes in the shower, searched for things hidden in boxes, and now know the best microwaveable food my grocery store supplies. In the grand scheme of things, today is a big day. The granite is going to be sealed. We’re almost…

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MESSY DESK, PRISTINE PROSE?

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Hello! Maureen Pratt here with my monthly CAN blog about writing. Today, I pose a question, "Messy Desk, Pristine Prose?" or, "Does your writing environment help you or hurt you?" I recently saw a picture of a writer at work. Everything about her desk and surroundings was streamlined and clean. Not a pencil out of place, not a book up-ended. There were no sticky notes affixed to the computer screen, and no cork bulletin board groaning with mock-ups of book covers, flyers, and a scribbled-upon calendar. Even this writer's shirt looked as if it had just been ironed! If this…

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Writer’s Paralysis

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Dianne Neal Matthews here, hoping to encourage you on the second Monday of September (can you believe it’s almost autumn already?). Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about “writer’s paralysis”—not that cramped feeling in your hands when you’re pushing against a tight deadline, but another kind that’s more serious….  

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Three Ways to Bring Color to Our Message

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What happens when we get on that stage, ready to deliver a dynamic message, but way deep in our hearts issues of life weigh heavy? What can we do when inspiring others is our task, but we’re the ones who need inspiration? Recently, life was going fine, no glitches or major challenges. Then, without warning, no hint it would happen, it did.

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Happy Anniversary to You!

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  Dianne Neal Matthews here, writing from Salt Lake City. Although I’m posting this on the second Monday of July, I actually began writing it on a very special day—the last Friday in June. At the time, my husband and I were starting out on our weekend trip to celebrate our 38th anniversary. Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking…

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A Symphony of Words

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Dianne Neal Matthews here, hoping to share some encouraging words with you on this second Monday of June. When I recently attended a symphony rehearsal, I enjoyed the music—but I also came away with inspiration to apply to the writing life.

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Let Someone Else Benefit

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Happy Thursday from Jeanette Hanscome! I started a new book recently that I’m extremely excited about, not because I’m writing the book that I’ve always wanted to write or finally got a new contract (we don’t have one yet), but because I’m helping someone else tell their story.

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